Summer in New York usually comes with one big travel dilemma: do you splurge on a beach getaway or stay closer to home and save the cash? Thanks to a surprisingly affordable rail connection, you may not have to choose.
For less than the cost of a standard Long Island Rail Road round-trip ticket to some popular beach destinations, New Yorkers can now embark on a choose-your-own-adventure coastal escape that leads to charming seaside towns, historic streets, peaceful bay beaches, and classic Atlantic Ocean boardwalks.
The journey begins with a budget-friendly Amtrak ride to Wilmington, Delaware, where a seasonal beach bus unlocks an entire stretch of coastline waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re craving a quiet day wandering through a centuries-old harbor town, biking through dunes and coastal forests, or spending the afternoon on a lively oceanfront boardwalk with fries and saltwater taffy in hand, this under-the-radar getaway lets you build the exact summer day trip—or weekend escape, you’ve been dreaming about.
Sample One-Way Fares (Friday, August 14)
If you’re willing to set an early alarm, you can beat the traffic and lock in Amtrak’s absolute lowest “Night Owl” and advance coach rates for a Friday getaway. Here are a few morning departure options from NYC:
- The Early Bird: Departs NYC at 4:50 AM $\rightarrow$ Arrives in Wilmington at 6:43 AM (1h 53m travel time) — Coach from $10
- The Sunrise Special: Departs NYC at 5:45 AM $\rightarrow$ Arrives in Wilmington at 7:31 AM (1h 46m travel time) — Coach from $10
- The Commuter’s Choice: Departs NYC at 6:32 AM $\rightarrow$ Arrives in Wilmington at 8:22 AM (1h 50m travel time) — Coach from $15
One route, two very different beach towns, and plenty of opportunities to make the adventure your own. Here’s what to expect.
Destination 1: Lewes—The Historic, Low-Key Harbor Escape
If your ideal beach day involves quiet historic streets, cedar-shaked cottages, and a calm bay breeze rather than roaring surf, Lewes is your paradise.
Founded by the Dutch in 1631, it’s a beautifully preserved maritime village where the local shops close early, the seafood is fresh off the docks, and the beaches are perfectly tranquil.
What to Do
- Relax at Lewes Beach: Because it faces the Delaware Bay rather than the open ocean, the water here is as calm and flat as a lake—ideal for a peaceful swim or renting a paddleboard.
- Explore Cape Henlopen State Park: Just a short bike ride from town, this massive park features miles of untouched ocean beaches, soaring sand dunes, walking trails, and historic WWII observation towers you can climb for 360-degree coastal views.
- Stroll Second Street: Walk the tree-lined historic district to browse independent bookstores, grab an ice cream cone at King’s Homemade Ice Cream, or sit down for fresh oysters.
How to Get There from Wilmington
Once your $10 Amtrak train pulls into the Wilmington Transit Center, look for DART’s Route 305 “Beach Connection” bus (which operates on weekends and holidays throughout the summer season).
For a cash fare of just $6, you can hop aboard the comfortable, air-conditioned coach bus. Sit back and relax for about two hours as the bus cruises straight down the state, dropping you off directly at the Lewes Transit Center.
From there, a free, quick local shuttle or a short bike ride gets you right to the sand.
Destination 2: Rehoboth Beach—The Classic, Vibrant Boardwalk Town
For the quintessential Americana beach experience with an upscale, modern twist, keep heading south to Rehoboth Beach.
Known affectionately as “The Nation’s Summer Capital,” it strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic boardwalk fun and a phenomenal, award-winning culinary and craft beer scene. It’s lively, colorful, and packed with energy.
What to Do
- Walk the Iconic Boardwalk: Stretch your legs along the one-mile wooden boardwalk, complete with classic arcade sounds, ocean views, and the irresistible scent of beach treats.
- Indulge in Coastal Classics: You can’t leave without grabbing a bucket of legendary Thrasher’s French Fries (served hot with apple cider vinegar) and a box of saltwater taffy from Dolle’s.
- Hit the Brewpubs: Rehoboth is the birthplace of the world-famous Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Head to their massive brewpub on Rehoboth Avenue for incredible food, live music, and exclusive beers you can’t get anywhere else.
How to Get There from Wilmington
The travel blueprint is exactly the same, but you just stay on the bus one stop longer! Take that same $6 Route 305 Beach Connection bus from the Wilmington Transit Center and ride it all the way to its final stop at the Rehoboth Park & Ride.
From the Park & Ride, DART operates seamless, continuous local shuttles that spirit you straight to the boardwalk and the beach in mere minutes.
Total transit cost from Wilmington to the Atlantic oceanfront? Less than the price of a beachside cocktail.
